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Tintinhull Garden, Somerset

As visually compelling as it is tranquil and serene, Tintinhull Garden is made up of six different sections. Hugged by walls of brick and Ham stone, the garden takes in different angles of the 17th Century Tintinhull Manor House, a Grade I listed building, and offers a harmonious setting in which to drink in the scenery.

Originally conceptualised by Phyllis Reiss, the garden came to life in the 1930's. Although an amateur gardener, Reiss’ vision and poetic touch led her to create a truly breath-taking feat, influenced by gardens such as Hidcote and her time spent in Italy and France.

Leaving the garden to the National Trust, Reiss stayed at Tintinhull until her death in 1961 and it wasn’t until 20 years later that the garden would enter its next crucial stage. In 1980, Penelope Hobhouse along with her husband moved into Tintinhull House. Here, she began honing her skills as a talented gardener and designer. Taking on Reiss’ garden, Hobhouse carried on working there between 1890 and 1993, using colour and careful design to create stunning impact.

Intended to be a ‘happy’ garden, Tintinhull Garden is just that. Spend time wandering the garden ‘rooms’, like the kitchen garden where Reiss’ vegetables and fruits were grown. Make sure you rest a spell in the Pool Garden, dedicated to Reiss’ nephew, a Fleet Air Arm fighter pilot who was sadly killed in the Second World War.

If you would like to visit Tintinhull Garden, opening times may vary. There is free parking available nearby, and dogs are welcome in the orchard as long as they are kept on their leads. There is a tearoom available where you can reward yourself to something delicious, too.

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